How to audition for voice acting jobs
Voice acting auditions are the gateway to the voice over industry. They showcase your voice acting skills and act as a resume for potential clients. So, whether you’re an experienced voice actor or just starting out, learning how to audition for voice acting is the key to booking voice over jobs. In this post, we’ll share 10 tips to help you nail your voice acting auditions!
What are voice acting auditions?
Voice acting auditions are recordings of a voice actor reading a sample script for voice over job, demonstrating their vocal skills, range, and fit for the project. During voice acting casting calls, clients use these auditions to determine which voice actor best suits their project. Voice over auditions require voice actors to deliver an authentic performance with a clear, expressive voice that matches the project’s tone, and the recorded voice acting audition is sent to the client for review. Although deadlines and project requirements for voice over auditions are constantly changing, at Voice123, we’re here to help voice actors learn how to find voice acting auditions and land Voice123 bookings!
Check out our free checklist of 10 tips for successful voice over auditions.
How to audition for voice acting
Step 1: Read the brief carefully
Before recording, carefully review the client’s instructions. Pay attention to:
- The tone and emotion required.
- Character descriptions or personality traits.
- Technical specifications, such as file format and submission guidelines.
Step 2: Warm up your voice
Before recording, engage in vocal warm-ups to improve clarity and prevent strain. Some great warm-ups include:
- Lip trills and humming to loosen vocal cords.
- Tongue twisters to improve articulation.
- Deep breathing exercises for better control.
Step 3: Test your equipment
Great audio quality is crucial for successful voice actor auditions. Ensure you have:
- A professional voice over microphone.
- A soundproof recording space to eliminate background noise.
- Editing software to clean up the recording.
Step 4: Perform with confidence
Get into character by varying your pitch, pacing, and volume to bring the character or message to life. Clients look for authenticity in voice over auditions, so take time to read the script and understand how to bring emotion to the character or project.
Step 5: Edit and submit your audition
Remove any background noise and unwanted sounds and trim long pauses. Save and submit your file on time in the correct format, like MP3 or WAV. Clients appreciate professional voice actors who can deliver what they need quickly, so always submit your voice acting auditions online before the deadline.
Create top-quality audio with help from experts!
10 Tips for successful voice acting auditions
1. Understand the Role
Before you get into your studio, analyze the script and understand the character or brand voice you’re portraying. Think about how to get voice acting auditions that match your voice styles, emotions, and energy levels required for the performance so you can deliver an authentic, compelling voice acting audition.
2. Practice Daily
Improving your vocal range, articulation, and emotional expression requires daily practice. Reading aloud, mimicking various styles, and practicing regularly with sample scripts that match the types of voice actor auditions you want to land to help you develop unique voice styles and refine your technique.
3. Use Professional Equipment
Investing in high-quality recording equipment is non-negotiable if you want to turn voice over auditions into booked gigs. A good microphone, audio interface, pop filter, and a home studio setup can improve your audio quality, giving clients the professional sound they expect from top-tier talent.
4. Minimize Background Noise
Background noise is a common reason for rejected voice acting auditions online. Always record in a quiet, acoustically treated space, so your voice is the only thing the client hears. If you don’t have a home studio, consider using portable sound booths or soundproofing materials.
5. Bring Your Own Style
Casting directors often listen to dozens—sometimes hundreds—of voice over auditions. Adding a unique twist to your delivery, whether it’s a tone, cadence, or emotional layer, can help you stand out. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks while staying true to the brief.
6. Follow Instructions Exactly
Always read the audition brief carefully and follow every instruction to the letter. Submitting the wrong file format, mislabeling the file, or not sticking to the time limit can make clients reject your audition instantly. Demonstrating that you can follow directions is just as important as the performance itself.
7. Keep Editing to a Minimum
While basic editing—like removing breaths or background noise—is necessary, avoid over-processing your voice. Excessive compression or EQ can make your recording sound unnatural or robotic. Clients want to hear your real, raw voice to judge how it fits into their project.
8. Experiment with Variations
Recording multiple takes with different emotional tones, paces, or delivery styles can highlight your range and versatility. Even if the script is short, demonstrating range can help you stand out in competitive voice actor auditions. Remember to label your files clearly if you’re recording multiple versions, and always send the final version to clients.
9. Stay Professional and Courteous
Every interaction with a casting director or client is a chance to build your reputation. Respond to messages promptly, meet deadlines, and communicate respectfully. Professionalism can make you more memorable—and help you build solid relationships with clients, making them more likely to hire you again.
10. Never Stop Learning
Voice acting is a constantly evolving craft; there’s always more to learn. Consider attending workshops and conferences or joining voice over communities to stay updated with industry standards. Continuous learning will help you grow as a voice actor and stay competitive in voice acting auditions online.
Advice from pros on auditions for voice acting
Need advice on how to get auditions for voice acting? We’ve got all the insights you need with interviews from two seasoned and talented voice actors – Courtney Greer and Gwendolyn Carter. Greer and Carter have 13 years of combined professional experience getting booked for gigs through booming voice acting auditions. As you listen to their journeys, note their tips and suggestions to improve your voice acting auditions.
Courtney’s been a member since Aug 2, 2013, and has been a professional voice actor for nine years.
Gwendolyn’s been a member since Nov 11, 2018 and has been a professional voice actor for 4 years.
Conclusion
Mastering how to audition for voice acting is a combination of preparation, skill, and professionalism. By following these tips, you can learn how to find voice acting auditions, how to get auditions for voice acting, and improve your voice over auditions to land more gigs.
Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned voice actor looking for more auditions for voice acting. Voice123 has you covered! Sign up for a membership and get invited directly to voice over projects and boost your voice acting career!
FAQs
To get into voice acting, train your voice, record practice scripts, and create a professional sample playlist that showcases your range and tone. You can also join online casting platforms like Voice123 to help you access voice acting auditions and connect with clients directly.
You can get voice auditions by signing up on online casting platforms such as Voice123, where clients post daily voice over auditions for various projects. Building a standout profile and responding promptly to casting calls increases your chances of being selected.
Yes, you can get a voice acting job with no experience by starting with smaller gigs, finding a niche, practicing regularly, and creating samples to submit for voice acting auditions.
To get hired on Voice123, complete your profile with professional samples, write a bio that includes your voice acting skills, and consistently apply to voice over auditions that match your skill set. Clear communication and fast response times also help build client trust and increase bookings.
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